Sample Labelling and Despatch

After collection of the sample(s):

1. Label sample
   All sample containers must be labelled with the following patient identifiers:
   - Patient’s name and NRIC number/Passport number
   Where applicable, the following details should also be included:
   – Time and date of collection
   – Source of sample
   – Test requested
2. Specimen containers should be labelled at the time of collection and not deferred until a later time.
3. Make sure the correct test request has been ordered in CPOE, or if Test Request Form is used, it has been completely and correctly filled.
4. Samples taken from patients with suspected or known contagious infections such as HIV or hepatitis B infection must be placed in special plastic bags with a “Biohazard” label “Blood Precautions” on it. Double bag it by attaching the corresponding form in a separate bag to the bagged sample. (Forms if used, should never be placed within the sample bag to prevent spillage onto the form.)
5. Sample despatch
   Send sample with its accompanying request immediately for despatch to the laboratory or for collection by the Client Services transport. Specimens for Histopathology must not be sent to the laboratory by telelift. Please see Special Instructions on Sample Handling in the Histopathology Section for details. Emergency/Stat samples, viral culture samples and samples for chromosome culture should be sent by hand, and not by telelift, immediately to the laboratory.
6. Samples obtained using needle aspiration should be transfered to a sterile container before sending to the laboratory. If there is little material in the syringe, the needle must be removed and the syringe capped, prior to transporting to the laboratory.

Sending Swabs for Microbiology Tests

Bacteria

A. GRAM STAIN AND CULTURE
1. Send 2 separate swabs for: Gram stain                 Aerobic Bacterial  and smear                  Culture	2. Anaerobic culture: Use transport media or swab with gel.
B. MYCOBACTERIA (TB, AFB) SMEAR AND CULTURE
1. Send separate specimens (Sputum, Swab etc) and test requests if Mycobacteria (TB) and Bacteria are required.
2. Do not send laryngeal swab. Send Sputum instead.
C. NEISSERIA GONORRHOEAE (G.C.)
1. Do not send swab. Obtain G.C. plate from Client Services (Tel: 6321 4950/4952/4904) and inoculate at bedside.

VIROLOGY

A. VIRAL CULTURE/VIRAL ANTIGEN
Do not use dry swab.
(a) For Viral Culture:	(b) For Viral Antigen tests:
(c) For Viral Culture & Viral Antigen:
B. PCR / MOLECULAR TESTS
1. Swab specimens must be sent dry (i.e. no transport media), and sent within the same working day. Refrigerate if a delay is expected.